Discipline Stinks

Have you ever been talking to someone and become acutely aware that they recently ate some garlic? It comes from their breath when they talk, and the smell even seems to waft from their skin. There is no question about it, it’s obvious. You don’t have to ask what was on the menu for lunch. The Stoic teacher Epictetus taught that being in the same room with a good person is a similar experience. You don’t have to ask, and they don’t have to tell you…it’s obvious. Just like our garlic-loving friend oozes that distinctive odor, the good person radiates kindness, humility, competence, and decency. To stretch the analogy a little further, you can tell what is inside someone by what comes out of their mouth.

I think the same analogy holds true for discipline. When you are in the same room with someone who actually practices discipline, it is apparent and obvious.

They don’t have to tell you, “I’m a disciplined person.” You can just tell by looking at them. Ask yourself: Do they look like a disciplined person? Just as heavy drug use or an all-fast-food diet leaves physical signs, a disciplined life and good habits also leave their mark.

Just like your nose smells garlic, your ears can hear discipline. When a person talks, are they controlled in what they say, or do they just ramble and spew whatever comes to mind? Do they talk about what they are doing and what they are working on, or do they focus on gossip and running other people down? Do they complain about problems, or do they talk about solutions? Have you noticed that those quickest to anger are also often undisciplined in other ways? Anger is usually a lapse in discipline (the ability to control yourself). Overall, do they move and speak with a sense of purpose, or do they just mosey and drift? A disciplined person is easy to spot when you know the signs.

How is the ability to spot discipline useful?

How you do one thing is often a good indicator of how you do all things. If an officer constantly shows up late in a wrinkled uniform, it’s a safe bet that they are the same person who will get behind on their reports and avoid staying late to finish a case. They will be the one who tries to get out of work instead of offering to help others. This is the same person who will choose the easy thing over the right thing. Why? Because discipline is the ability to do things that you don’t “want” to do. The discipline that cleans and irons a uniform is the same discipline needed to help a coworker when you would rather relax. The discipline that sets an alarm is the same discipline that helps you stick to an ethical principle when the alternative is more tempting.

As a supervisor, I use this principle quite a bit. It helps me focus on the right places and put people in the right positions. By understanding how discipline works, I know which officers are likely to gloss over things or put off important tasks. I know who I need to check up on more frequently. I know who needs encouragement and help. I also know who I should select for important or difficult tasks, and who I can safely assign to repetitive or low-effort chores. When there is a perimeter or a crime scene to be staffed, I know which people I want at the key positions. In general, I won’t give an undisciplined person an important task that is going to require some discipline to accomplish.

I also use this as a follower. Not all my supervisors have been disciplined people. When I “smell” the lack of discipline in one of them, I know that before long they are going to drop the ball in terms of administrative responsibilities or leadership. I know that I need to keep an eye out and be ready to pick up the slack. I know that with them, I also need to check in and follow up more frequently if something important is looming.

Understanding how to spot discipline is a huge advantage. It helps with decision-making. It lets you know who you can trust, who you can rely on, and who to watch out for. It points you in the right direction and helps you develop reasonable expectations of people.

Amor Fati -Sgt Steve